DigitalAddiction – Rising Screen Dependency Among Youth Sparks Urgent Concern
DigitalAddiction – Concerns over the increasing dependence on digital devices among children and young people were brought to the forefront in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, as Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien highlighted the serious consequences of excessive screen usage. He urged the government to recognise the scale of the issue and take immediate steps to address what he described as a growing public health challenge.
Growing Screen Time Among Children Raises Alarm
Speaking during Zero Hour, O’Brien pointed out that recent studies suggest children and teenagers are spending close to eight hours daily on mobile phones and other screens. This translates to over 100 days in a year dedicated entirely to screen exposure. He stressed that such patterns are not limited to India, noting that at least 68 countries have already introduced restrictions on mobile phone usage within school premises.
He warned that the increasing reliance on digital devices is beginning to reshape daily routines and habits, particularly among younger age groups who are more vulnerable to behavioural changes linked to technology use.
Mental Health Risks Linked to Excessive Device Use
O’Brien drew attention to the potential health consequences of prolonged screen exposure, particularly its impact on mental well-being. He stated that excessive usage can disturb sleep cycles, elevate anxiety levels, and lead to frequent mood fluctuations among children and adolescents.
Explaining the science behind this phenomenon, he said that screen interaction triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, creating a sense of instant reward. Over time, this repeated stimulation can condition individuals to seek continuous engagement with devices, eventually leading to addictive behaviour patterns.
The MP also expressed concern over the reported link between digital addiction and youth distress, citing estimates that suggest around 20,000 children die by suicide annually in connection with such issues. He emphasised that this statistic reflects the urgency of addressing the problem in a comprehensive manner.
Simple Lifestyle Changes Suggested for Individuals
Alongside policy-level recommendations, O’Brien shared practical steps that individuals and families can adopt to reduce screen dependency. He encouraged people to pause and reflect before picking up their phones, suggesting a brief moment of awareness to question the necessity of usage.
He also recommended simple habits such as counting to ten before reaching for a device, keeping phones away while charging in a different room, and avoiding screen exposure at least two hours before bedtime. Additionally, he proposed setting aside specific periods during the day dedicated to complete digital silence, allowing the mind to rest without constant notifications or distractions.
Call for Government Action and Wider Awareness
At a broader level, O’Brien outlined key areas where government intervention could make a difference. These included promoting mindful technology usage, encouraging participation in offline activities, and initiating open discussions around mental health challenges faced by young people.
He stressed that digital addiction should not be treated as an isolated issue but rather as part of a larger conversation about youth well-being in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Concluding his remarks, the MP appealed to the government to prioritise the matter and work towards integrated solutions that address both digital habits and mental health concerns among the younger population.